Modified Grading FAQs

CU Succeed SPRING 2020 MODIFIED GRADING POLICY

In response to the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, CU Denver announced a temporary grading option that allows students the opportunity to convert letter grades to Pass Plus/Pass/No Pass (P+/P/NP) this can apply to all CU Succeed course taken in the Spring 2020 semester. Read the full policy here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will the Spring 2020 Modified Grading Policy work?  

  • Faculty will submit letter grades as outlined in the syllabus. Your student record will show both the original letter grade and the modified P+/P/NP grade. Only the P+/P/NP grade will appear on the transcript.
  • You may choose between receiving a standard letter grade or a Pass Plus/Pass/No Pass grade for each individual course.
  • After you receive your letter grade, you may request a change to Pass Plus/Pass/No Pass.
  • For the Spring Semester, you must fill out the webform by by 5 p.m. on June 15, 2020.

 How do the modified grades of Pass Plus (P+), Pass (P), or No Pass (NP) equate to standard letter grades?

  • ​Pass Plus (P+) is defined as a grade of C- or higher.
  • Pass (P) is defined as a grade of D+, D, or D-.
  • No Pass (NP) is defined as a grade lower than D-.

 How will the Modified Grading Policy impact my GPA?

  • ​If you switch to P+/P/NP, the grade will not be calculated in your CU Denver GPA.
  • However, if you choose to maintain your standard letter grade, the grade will be calculated in your GPA.

 

 What do I need to consider before switching to the Modified Grading option? 

  •  ​Changing to Pass Plus/Pass/No Pass (P+/P/NP) could have implications on satisfactory academic progress for future financial aid purposes, scholarship eligibility, prerequisite and major requirements, and competitiveness of collegiate program applications, among other areas.
  • Before you make your decision, you must talk with the CU Succeed office about potential academic impacts of switching to P+/P/NP. Be sure to do that soon, rather than waiting till the last minute. This will enable you to receive individual attention. Please email cusucceed@ucdenver.edu with your phone number and indicate that you would like more information about the modified grade option. You will receive a call back within 48 business hours.
  • Published prerequisites and graduation requirements remain in effect. If your letter grade is below the required standard to satisfy a prerequisite or graduation requirement, the grade of P+ or P will remain on your transcript, but the prerequisite will not be fulfilled. However, Schools/Colleges may make exceptions to these requirements. 
  • These polices only apply to CU Denver. If you will be going to a college or university other than CU Denver, we recommend that you call the admissions office and ask how a modified grade will be transferred if your modified grade will affect prerequisites or degree requirements. CU Denver cannot guarantee transfer of any credits.

How many courses am I allowed to take as Pass Plus/Pass/NoPass?

  • There are no limits to the number of courses in Spring 2020 semester that students may take as P+/P/NP.
  • Grades of P+ or P in Spring 2020 semester will not be counted against the “P” credit limit.

 

 Is it too late to withdraw from a CU Succeed course instead?

  • For Spring 2020, the withdrawal deadline has been extended to June 1st. Please fill out the form here and return it to us at cusucceed@ucdenver.edu

 Can I change my mind after I’ve completed the process?  

  • No. Once you switch to a P+/P/NP or W for any given course, you may not switch back to your original letter grade. The change is final.

 Who can I speak to if I have more questions?

  • If you have any questions about this policy change, reach out to the CU Succeed office as soon as possible cusucceed@ucdenver.edu. Leave us your phone number and we will call you back within 48 hours.

 If a student takes an Incomplete during Spring 2020, can that person then complete the course within the next year and receive a “P+/P/NP”?

  • No. Students must opt in to the modified grading policy for all Spring 2020 courses by June 15, 2020. If you are unsure whether an Incomplete or a P+/P/NP is the right choice for you, reach out to the CU Succeed office.